205. Editorial Note

In a memorandum entitled "Synopsis of Intelligence and State Material Reported to the President," December 31, John S.D. Eisenhower included the following section on Cuba:

"Reports favorable to the rebels continue. General Cantillo, commander in Oriente, has pulled garrisons back to Santiago. His passive performance suggests he may be planning to bargain with the rebels. Meanwhile, our Embassy Havana and Consulate Santiago have been authorized to effect the warning phase of their evacuation plans. In warning Americans, the Consulate is attempting to avoid undue publicity.

"Trujillo has denied sendin any aid to the Cuban government. It is reported that Castro [Batista?] will accept help only from the U.S. and needs 5 thousand M‑1 rifles and 3 million rounds.

The memorandum indicates that the information was not reported to the President until January 2, 1959. (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Diary Series)